The Nigerian Army says it has arrested 33 suspects from different villages in Borno state believed to be food suppliers to members of the Boko Haram terrorists. The army says, however, that they are still being investigated.

According to a statement by the Army spokesperson, Usman Sani, the suspects were arrested along Damboa axis with large quantity of food stuff.

“Nine of the 33 suspects are from Korode, 5 from Auma, 10 from Geargube, 4 from Kausautaya, 4 from Bulbul and 1 from Dolomi villages,” the statement said, adding that some of the suspects said they were traders and did admitted buying and selling food to the Boko Haram group.

Usman added that in a separate clearance operations, troops were able to uncover and destroy Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, planted at Sandia village.

Also, more women and children were reportedly rescued by troops along Bama axis but the army says it is not taking anything for granted because “some of them are suspected terrorists.”

“The rescued persons were part of those abducted by Boko Haram terrorists at Buduwa general area in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State which was earlier occupied by the terrorists,” the army said.